A call for Hepatitis C prevention and awareness

Opinion article by Joana Calvão, from the SPMI Liver Disease Study Center

International Hepatitis C Awareness Day, celebrated on October 1st, reminds us that this infection continues to be a public health problem, even at a time when treatment allows for very high cure rates.

It is estimated that around 50 million people worldwide live with chronic hepatitis C, and that approximately 1 million new cases emerge each year. In 2022, more than 240,000 people lost their lives due to serious complications of the disease, particularly cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

In Portugal, it is estimated that around 0.5% of the population has already had contact with the virus, which corresponds to approximately 100,000 people, although only a portion has an active infection.

These numbers may seem insignificant, but they hide worrying realities in vulnerable groups, such as injecting drug users or people in prisons, where the prevalence is much higher.

Hepatitis C is a silent disease that can remain asymptomatic for years, making early diagnosis difficult and increasing the risk of serious complications. The good news is that, unlike many chronic diseases, hepatitis C can be cured.

Direct-acting antivirals eliminate the virus in over 95% of cases through short, safe, and well-tolerated treatments. For these benefits to reach everyone, early identification of the infection is essential.

The World Health Organization has set a goal of eliminating hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030, proposing to reduce new infections by 90% and associated mortality by 65%. Portugal has signed this commitment and has made significant progress, but to achieve this goal, it is essential to strengthen screening and awareness.

People who received blood transfusions before 1992, those who have used injectable drugs, those who have had tattoos or piercings in unsafe settings, patients on hemodialysis, people with HIV or hepatitis B, health professionals with occupational exposure to blood and populations in situations of greater social vulnerability should be tested.

The test is simple, quick, and free. When positive, it allows for the initiation of curative treatment that not only protects the health of the infected person but also helps stop the chain of transmission.

On this International Hepatitis C Awareness Day, it's important to remember that eliminating this infection depends not only on public health strategies, but also on the commitment of each of us. Educating yourself, recognizing risk factors, talking openly about the disease without prejudice, and encouraging family and friends to get tested at least once in their lives are individual actions that make a difference.

Hepatitis C is curable and its elimination is a goal within our reach, but it will only become a reality if we all take an active role in raising awareness and defending everyone's health.